The Modern Humanitarian and International Development Leader: Make a Greater Impact During Uncertainty as a NGO Leader While

Aid for Aid Workers
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Weekly

Are you a humanitarian or international development leader who wants to make a greater impact — without the overwhelm and burnout? This podcast is for NGO, INGO and UN leaders who want to build high-performing, empowered teams in uncertain and stressful environments — while protecting their time, energy, and wellbeing. Each week, you’ll learn practical, coaching-informed strategies to help you: - Lead with more clarity and confidence - Empower diverse teams to perform at their best - Reduce overwork and decision fatigue - Increase productivity without sacrificing your values - Meet the evolving demands of the modern humanitarian and development sector I’m your host, Torrey Peace — leadership coach and founder of Aid for Aid Workers. With 12+ years working in humanitarian and development settings and coaching hundreds of leaders across the UN, INGOs, and civil society globally, I’ve seen firsthand how overwork and overwhelm have become normalized — and how unnecessary they truly are. The good news? There is a different way to lead. Join me every Monday for short, practical insights that help you step out of overwhelm and start leading with greater impact, sustainability, and purpose. 👉 New here? Start with listener-favorite: A Surprising Way to Ensure Team Success: https://www.aidforaidworkers.com/blog/success-7

  1. 3 Strategies Productive NGO Leaders Use to Beat Stress & Get More Done

    4h ago

    3 Strategies Productive NGO Leaders Use to Beat Stress & Get More Done

    Do you ever reach the end of the week wondering where all your time went—even though you never stopped working? Many humanitarian, development, and nonprofit leaders feel frustrated because they’re constantly busy but rarely feel productive. Between emails, meetings, urgent requests, team issues, and donor demands, it’s easy to spend your entire week reacting instead of making meaningful progress. In this episode, Torrey reveals why productivity isn’t about working harder—it’s about asking better questions that help you focus on what truly matters. Here's what you'll learn:Discover three powerful questions that can immediately improve your productivity and help you accomplish more in less time.Learn how to eliminate, automate, and delegate tasks so you can free up valuable hours every week.Shift your mindset from focusing on what’s unfinished to recognizing the progress you’ve already made, increasing both motivation and effectiveness. Listen now to learn the three simple questions that can help you work smarter, feel more productive, and lead with less stress. Watch on YouTube Here WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers NGO, nonptofit, international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    8 min
  2. The Perfectionism Problem: Why 'Good Enough' Outperforms Perfect

    May 25

    The Perfectionism Problem: Why 'Good Enough' Outperforms Perfect

    Are you spending hours trying to make your work perfect only to feel more stressed, overwhelmed, and behind? Many humanitarian and nonprofit leaders believe perfection equals professionalism and impact. But in reality, perfectionism often creates anxiety, procrastination, burnout, and wasted energy while slowing down the meaningful work that truly matters. In this episode you'll:Learn the difference between producing quality work and falling into the perfectionism trapDiscover the three biggest signs your work has crossed from productive into perfectionisticFind practical strategies to reduce stress, stop overthinking, and create sustainable impact without sacrificing standards Press play to learn how to let go of perfectionism, protect your energy, and produce impactful work more effectively as a leader. Watch on YouTube Here WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    9 min
  3. Your Team's Best Ideas Are Hiding Behind This Simple Question

    May 18

    Your Team's Best Ideas Are Hiding Behind This Simple Question

    What if the reason your team isn’t bringing better ideas isn’t a lack of creativity—but the way you’re leading conversations? Many leaders unintentionally shut down deeper thinking by jumping in too quickly with solutions. In this episode, Torrey explains why simple questions often create the most powerful breakthroughs and how one small shift in communication can help your team think more creatively, solve problems more effectively, and take greater ownership of their work. What you'll learn:Learn why the simple question “What else?” can unlock deeper creativity and problem-solving within your teamDiscover how silence and patience help people move beyond surface-level answers into innovative thinkingUnderstand how to create more ownership, confidence, and resourcefulness without constantly providing solutions Press play to discover how one simple leadership question can transform your conversations, strengthen your team’s thinking, and unlock ideas that may already be waiting beneath the surface. Watch on YouTube Here WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    8 min
  4. The #1 Reason NGO Leaders Procrastinate (It’s Not What You Think)

    May 11

    The #1 Reason NGO Leaders Procrastinate (It’s Not What You Think)

    Are you really procrastinating…or are your thoughts keeping you stuck? Many leaders assume procrastination is a discipline or time management problem, but the real issue often lies deeper in the way we think. In this episode, Torrey explores how perfectionism, fear of failure, and over-responsibility create hesitation that delays action, impacts teams, and keeps even high performers stuck in overthinking. In this episode you’ll discover: - Why procrastination is often driven by perfectionism and leadership thinking patterns rather than laziness - How to use AI as a self-coaching tool to uncover what’s really causing avoidance - Practical prompts and simple next steps to move from overthinking into action faster. Press play to learn how to break the cycle of procrastination, rethink the thoughts holding you back, and lead with more clarity and action starting today. Prompts to Use: “I am procrastinating on this: [task]. Ask me one question at a time to help me take action.” “Help me identify what I’m thinking that’s causing me to avoid this.” “Challenge my thinking if I’m being overly negative or unrealistic.” “Help me find the smallest next step I can take right now.” Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/24A41ptNH84 WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE? QUIZ Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers nonprofit, international development and humanitarian NGO, INGO, UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    9 min
  5. 3 Thoughts Keeping Nonprofit Leaders Stuck—And How to Change Them

    May 4

    3 Thoughts Keeping Nonprofit Leaders Stuck—And How to Change Them

    Are you an NGO leader feeling stuck—overthinking decisions, carrying too much responsibility, and wondering if your leadership is creating the impact you hoped for? Many leaders in the humanitarian and development world are promoted for their technical expertise, but rarely supported in developing the mindset shifts needed for sustainable, people-centered leadership. This often leads to burnout, disengaged teams, and leaders feeling trapped between driving results and protecting their own wellbeing. In this episode, Torrey shares the 3 common thoughts that keep NGO leaders stuck—and how to change them so you can lead with more clarity, confidence, and impact. By listening you’ll learn: The 3 common thought patterns that keep NGO leaders feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and disconnected from their leadership potentialHow people-centered leadership helps you lead stronger, more inclusive teams without sacrificing accountability or resultsPractical mindset shifts to help you step out of overwork and overwhelm so you can lead sustainably and protect your wellbeing Press play now to discover how shifting these 3 thoughts can help you become the leader your team needs—without burning yourself out. Watch on YouTube Here If this episode helped you recognize the thoughts keeping you stuck as a leader, “Becoming the Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader" course will help you turn those insights into practical action. Designed specifically for humanitarian and development professionals, this course gives you the tools to lead with more confidence, clarity, and wellbeing—without falling into burnout. Visit here to learn more and start building the people-centered leadership skills your team needs. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    9 min
  6. 3 Signs You’re Trying to Control Others and How It’s Hurting You as a NGO Leader - MVP Episode

    Apr 27

    3 Signs You’re Trying to Control Others and How It’s Hurting You as a NGO Leader - MVP Episode

    Do you ever say “yes” just to be seen as helpful — even when you’re drowning in work? In this episode, you will learn the subtle yet powerful ways humanitarian and development leaders unconsciously try to control others — and how it leads to burnout, miscommunication, and weakened team dynamics. In this episode you'll discover: Hidden signs you’re trying to influence others’ thoughts, emotions, or behaviorsLearn how people-pleasing and micromanaging quietly disempower your teamWalk away with powerful mindset shifts to free yourself from unnecessary stress and lead more authentically Press play now to uncover how letting go of control can help you reclaim time, reduce stress, and become the leader your team truly needs. What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    17 min
  7. Why 'I'm Too Busy' Is Keeping You Stuck as an NGO Leader

    Apr 20

    Why 'I'm Too Busy' Is Keeping You Stuck as an NGO Leader

    Where in your life or leadership are you telling yourself, “this is just the way it is”? If you’ve ever felt stuck—blaming your workload, your team, or your environment—it can feel like there’s nothing you can change. But that belief often keeps you in a cycle of frustration and limitation. The reality is, many leaders unknowingly give away their power by not questioning their own role in the results they’re experiencing. In this episode, you’ll learn how to take back control of your leadership and results by: Identifying the subtle ways you may be disempowering yourself in your daily thinkingShifting from blame and frustration to ownership and influence in your workRecognizing what’s actually within your control so you can create meaningful change—even in challenging environments Press play now to learn how to reclaim your power as a leader and start creating results you actually want. Watch on YouTube Here If you’re ready to move from “this is just the way it is” to taking ownership of your results, this is exactly what we focus on in Becoming the Modern Humanitarian and Development Leader. In six weeks, you’ll apply these tools directly to your work and create real change in how you lead. The next cohort begins May 12th—learn more here.

    9 min
  8. Why Smart NGO Leaders Stop Telling Their Teams What To Do

    Apr 13

    Why Smart NGO Leaders Stop Telling Their Teams What To Do

    What if your team keeps coming to you with problems—not because they lack initiative, but because of how you’re leading them? If you feel like you’re constantly answering questions, solving problems, and being the go-to for every decision, it can quickly become exhausting. You want a capable, proactive team—but instead, you may feel like the bottleneck. The truth is, many leaders unintentionally create this dynamic, even when they believe they’re empowering their teams. In this episode, you’ll learn how to truly empower your team and reduce your own workload by: Recognizing the hidden beliefs that may be keeping your team dependent on youShifting your approach so your team starts thinking, deciding, and taking ownershipBuilding a more independent, proactive team that frees up your time and increases overall impact Press play now to discover how to stop being the bottleneck and start leading a team that thinks and acts independently. Watch on YouTube Here What Is Your Leadership Style? Free Quiz: Want to know how to lead better? It starts by understanding your leadership style. To find out yours, take my free quiz “What Is Your Leadership Style?” - you’ll immediately find out your default style, how it may be impacting your team and a few practical ways to become an even better leader. Just click on the link fill out your quiz and click submit. This podcast empowers international development and humanitarian NGO UN leaders to achieve high performance teams, fostering diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing, overcoming burnout and overwhelm, while maximizing impact and productivity.

    7 min
See All (120)

Trailer

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Are you a humanitarian or international development leader who wants to make a greater impact — without the overwhelm and burnout? This podcast is for NGO, INGO and UN leaders who want to build high-performing, empowered teams in uncertain and stressful environments — while protecting their time, energy, and wellbeing. Each week, you’ll learn practical, coaching-informed strategies to help you: - Lead with more clarity and confidence - Empower diverse teams to perform at their best - Reduce overwork and decision fatigue - Increase productivity without sacrificing your values - Meet the evolving demands of the modern humanitarian and development sector I’m your host, Torrey Peace — leadership coach and founder of Aid for Aid Workers. With 12+ years working in humanitarian and development settings and coaching hundreds of leaders across the UN, INGOs, and civil society globally, I’ve seen firsthand how overwork and overwhelm have become normalized — and how unnecessary they truly are. The good news? There is a different way to lead. Join me every Monday for short, practical insights that help you step out of overwhelm and start leading with greater impact, sustainability, and purpose. 👉 New here? Start with listener-favorite: A Surprising Way to Ensure Team Success: https://www.aidforaidworkers.com/blog/success-7

Information

You Might Also Like